Technical information

Size	25kg multi-walled paper bag
Coverage	13.6L per 25kg or approximately 7-10 square mtrs per 25kg bag
Joint width	Suitable for 4mm–50mm
Joint depth	Up to 200mm
Compressive strength	>40MPa
Foot traffic	After 1 hour
Vehicle traffic	4–6 hours

How do I prepare for using Larsen FJM Smooth?

All joints that need to be pointed should be clean of grease, oils, dust and loose particles or any debris that may prevent adhesion. You must fully saturate the paving, joints and bedding before grouting using plenty of clean water, then remove any puddles or standing water from paved area or patio, a leaf blower is ideal. Saturating the whole paved area will ensure that the grout comes off the paving slabs more easily, this is incredibly important with highly textured or absorbent paving.

How do I mix Larsen FJM Smooth?

In a large bucket, mix 4.5-5 litres of water per 25KG bag of FJM Smooth powder, mix with a paddle mixer for a minimum of 3 minutes to produce fluid, batter type consistency. Where necessary a little less water can be added to produce a slightly thicker mortar for patio's and paving which have a fall built in. Please note that if you use additional water to make the product more flowable, the strength of the product will be reduced, and the product may settle or bleed. Do not re-wet or add additional water and re-mix grout which has started to 'go off'.

How do I apply Larsen FJM Smooth?

Larsen FJM Smooth can be applied in joint widths of 4-50mm, and up to 200mm deep in one single pass. Do to its fluid nature it is important to ensure that none of the grout escapes into nearby drains or water courses. Simply plug any drains with hessian, to stop fine particles of cement & aggregate escaping down into the drain. Once mixed, FJM Smooth can be applied either with a watering can into joints, or flowed over the entire area and squeegeed into joints. Care must be taken to keep the area damp with a misting of water at all times. Never allow it to dry on the face of the slabs during the cleaning process, allow the fast set jointing mortar to firm up within the joint itself, before attempting to clean the paving slabs.

How do I clean and wash off Larsen FJM Smooth?

Once the joints have firmed up spray the area with water, then using a squeegee or brush begin to work over the area taking care not to brush the material from the joints, keep wetting and cleaning the area until all of the mortar has been removed from the slabs, but remains in the joints. Ensure that you follow the instructions carefully on the bag, taking care to note the temperature - cold temperatures will mean the grout will remain softer for longer, high temperatures will mean the grout will go off faster. Once grouting of the joints is complete, protect the area from foot traffic for at least 1-2 hours, and vehicles for 4-6 hours.

What equipment will I need to mix, apply and wash-off Larsen FJM Smooth?

• Neoprene Squeegee for application: click here to purchase a squeegee
• A stiff bristle brush for stubborn/hard to reach areas
• Soft brush for cleaning off
• 110 paddle mixer
• Transformer
• Extension lead
• Large bucket
• Large measuring jug
• Rubber float
• Small trowel
• Jet washer | Hose | or Washboy
• Wellies
• Sponge for cleaning around edges
• Leaf blower for cleaning leaves or getting water out of joints
• All simple items in every contractor’s kit!

How to ensure that you don't overwater FJM Smooth!

Adding additional water to create a more fluid consistency or extend setting times in warmer temperatures, or not measuring the amount of water prior to mixing will affect the final colour, cause the grout to settle low in the joint (settlement), cracks and risk bleeding, efflorescence and staining. When FJM ECO SMOOTH is overwatered during the mixing process, or if water is not measured prior to mixing or washed from the surface before its firmed up in the joint - it can appear a buff or orange colour once set. This is due to all the fines including the binder element being washed from the product which exposes the darker sand within the paving grout.

Take extra care when using Larsen FJM Smooth in warmer temperatures!

FJM ECO Smooth is a rapid setting product, therefore temperature will affect workability and setting times. Hotter temperatures accelerate. When working in hotter temperatures consider applying FJM ECO SMOOTH earlier in the day, keep bags out of direct sunlight, mix with cool water, pre-soak paving with cool water. Mix in smaller quantities working manageable areas only. Do not use if the ambient temperature is 25°C and rising. Equally the opposite applies in 3 degrees or less, the product will take longer to set or 'go off' therefore a little more patience will be needed for it to set. We do not advise using below 3 degrees, however some contractors do with success.

Follow these tips to avoid any stains or efflorescence when using Larsen FJM:

• Clean and dampen the paving joints and surfaces with water, remove any ponded water
• Keep the paved area damp with a light misting of water throughout the application
• Use a rubber squeegee to push the grout into the joints, and immediately remove any excess paving grout for the surface of pavers
• Once FJM has begun to set, use either a squeegee or a brush and a little water to agitate the remaining grout on the surface of the pavers and remove any hardened mortar
• After approx. 30 minutes of applying the grout (and once it has fully hardened, do the thumb test), clean the surfaces thoroughly to remove any spots and prevent staining
• To avoid causes cracks and low spots when using Larsen FJM, don't clean your slabs off too early! Do the thumb test, if your joint is still slightly soft to the touch, it's too early, wait and hold your nerve. This is especially important during colder weather, you'll just wash half the material away out of your joints